LOUISVILLE, Ky- Several Louisville homeless encampments are slated for removal by the city.
Spectrum News 1 identified several notices posted to the concrete overpass near the intersection of Jackson and Jefferson Street in downtown Louisville. The removal will likely affect dozens of homeless residents staying near Wayside Christian Mission.
“A large encampment at Jackson and Jefferson has created health and safety concerns, including large amounts of trash present on the sidewalks, defecation on the walls of the overpass, and tents are blocking the right of way for pedestrian traffic,” Debbie Belt said in an email to Spectrum News 1 on Thursday. Belt is the communication coordinator for the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS).
By city ordinance a 21-day public notice must be posted before a removal can happen. Belt says the same kind of unsafe conditions are present at an encampment at the Preston and Jefferson Street overpass.
“At the Liberty and Preston Street overpass, campers are sleeping on the ledge of the overpass, which is very dangerous. And the Adair Street Encampment is located on state property,” Belt said in a statement.
On Thursday volunteers with St. John Center for Homeless Men were making contact with several residents staying at the Jefferson and Jackson encampment. St. John is one of several organizations working with the city to provide homeless outreach. In addition to St. John, the Metro-funded “Unsheltered Homeless Initiatives,” is also comprised of UP for Woman and Children, Wellspring and Family Health Centers. Belt says these organizations, “ ... Assist residents living on the streets on a daily basis with essential services like obtaining medical care, making referrals to shelter, and providing other supportive services such as the enhancement of behavioral and mental health counseling, and drug and alcohol addiction assessments,” Belt said in a statement to Spectrum News 1.
Belt says the Kentucky Department of Transportation initially requested the camp removal for violating guidelines established in an “memorandum of understanding,” (MOU) between Louisville Metro Government and KYTC. The removal of tents, belongings and trash is scheduled for April 15 at Noon.